Colorado Common Cause is encouraging state lawmakers to reassert their right to control Colorado elections in response to President Donald Trump’s executive order, which attempts to override state and federal voting laws.

On Tuesday, President Trump released an executive order that attempts to put the White House in charge of Colorado elections by instituting voter suppression tactics on when ballots can be counted and how to verify eligible voters. The executive order claims to block funding for elections for states who do not comply, despite the potential legality of the order. Not only does this administration not have the power to make laws through executive order, there is existing legislation, passed by Congress and signed into law, that outlines what is required to register to vote in federal elections. This executive order is not it. 

Colorado’s Secretary of State Jena Griswold has already issued a statement condemning the order as unlawful and a weaponization of the power of the federal government against states and voters.

Colorado can insulate its elections from the dangerous suppression tactics coming from the federal level. The Colorado General Assembly is currently considering Senate Bill 001, the Colorado Voting Rights Act. By passing SB001, Colorado will insulate its elections from federal attacks on the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by maintaining protections against discrimination in elections.

“A president does not set election law for Colorado and never will. Trump’s executive action is another transparent attempt to enact baseless voter suppression tactics, especially for diverse states like ours that have routinely rejected his continued attacks on our democracy. 

Voter suppression is unwelcome in Colorado, and we will fight it tooth and nail. The Colorado Voting Rights Act is currently on the table in the legislature. It would help insulate our elections and Coloradans’ access to the ballot from such reckless moves like this. This executive order shows the urgency of this moment and the need for state level action — we hope the legislature will act accordingly,” said Aly Belknap, Executive Director of Colorado Common Cause.